20 GREAT TATTOO IDEAS FOR WOMEN AND MEN

Richard Hale is a tattoo enthusiast who studies and researches tattoo symbolism, meanings, and history.

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There are many hard decisions to make when you are getting a tattoo. You want to have a design that you are sure to like for the rest of your life. Although tattoos can be partially removed or you can have a tattoo put over the previous one, you should still think of something you would want to keep for the rest of your life. It can be very painful having a tattoo removed. Below are some great designed tattoos just to get an idea from.

TATTOO DESIGNS

TRIBAL- tribal and neo art

SPIRITUAL- inspired by faith or religion

MILITARY- military styles

GOTHIC- gothic style music/characters

POLYNESIAN- pacific style

JAPANESE- Irezumi or Japanese art

KANJIS- art of Japanese kanjis

CHINESE- Chinese style/dragons

CELTIC- Celtic style

ARAB- Middle East style

BIKE- biker style

HIP HOP- famous rapper/inspired by

A tattoo is made out of indelible ink that stays within the skin. Origins of tattooing can date back thousands of years ago. Many cultures and nations have practiced tattooing, also known as "body art", for centuries. Tattooing in Japan is said to go back more then 10,000 years in the Paleolithic Era. The Koita people from New Papua, New Guinea, are believed to traditionally give tattoos to their children at the age of 5.

REASONS FOR GETTING A TATTOO

COSMETIC

MEDICAL

RELIGIOUSLY

MEMORIAL

DEDICATION

CELEBRATION

MAJOR EVENT

IN MEMORY OF

SPECIAL BOND

MAGICAL

GANGS

PRISON

IDENTIFICATION

CIVIL UNION

When ever you decide to get your tattoo, make sure you choose a place that is sanitized. Many people in prison make tattoo guns out of normal day objects. They can use the ink out of ink pens to make a blend of tattoo ink. These tattoos are also known as a "prison tat". The inmates have no way to properly clean the tattooing utensils, but some may come close if they have real good friends inside the prison. But in all seriousness, if the equipment is not cleaned properly, it can spread a host of nasty diseases that could eventually cost you your life. Such diseases as HIV, staph, herpes, infections, simplex virus, and others can be caught if the equipment is not cleaned correctly and sterile. There has also been known cases of certain colors causing allergies. You may be allergic to one of the colored pigments and it could be deadly.

Finding the perfect tattoo can be very challening. There is always that chance that your tattoo will be one of the ones that cannot be removed by the laser procedure. Due to this fact, you want to make sure that the tattoo that you get is really the one you want. Make sure you look through several tattoo's before you make your choice.

Many people get a tattoo on an impulse. Even though it might sound like the right idea at the time, you might beg to differ in the near future. You don't have to be in a hurry, even if it is a memorial or dedication tattoo. Take your time and make sure you get the tattoo that you want.

GET HELP WITH YOUR DESIGN

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Comments

Randi Benlulu from Mesa, AZ on October 10, 2012:

Wow! Loved the video about the first animated tattoo! Didn't quite understand how he did it but enjoyed it just the same! Do you have any hubs on ankle bracelet tattoos?

Richard Ricky Hale (author) from West Virginia on November 05, 2011:

Thanks for coming by. It is not as bad as it use to be, but I have still seen judgement even today. Although, it is mostly tattoo's in private places.

f on November 05, 2011:

'They have been a steady choice among women over the years.'

True.

'I think they look good on women.'

True, also.

'Women who have tattoos are judged of course.'

Don't think so now as much, not nearly as may once have been the case.

Richard Ricky Hale (author) from West Virginia on October 30, 2011:

Thanks for the comment SusieQ42. I appreciate your time my dear. It really is. They have been a steady choice among women over the years. I think they look good on women. Women who have tattoos are judged of course. Yes, both of them are for females, but can't be versioned into a tattoo for me. I really wish I had a picture of a few new ones I have seen, but I have nothing. I will try to add them later though.

f on October 30, 2011:

thelyricwriter:

Yes, it's remarkable how many older ppl are getting their first one. Life is more about internals than externals, I strongly believe, but in any case there is some good artwork around.

SusieQ42:

'I've never had a tattoo, but I do love the first 2 on this hub. Voted up and interesting.'

Yes, and those two that you love are obviously female tattoo designs, too, aren't they.

Richard Ricky Hale (author) from West Virginia on October 28, 2011:

Hey there Rosemay and thanks for coming by. You make a good point there Rosemay. I think if you see something you like, go for it. Don't let age or anything stop you from seeking happiness. That is what life is all about.

f on October 27, 2011:

Rosemay50:

'Wow a great hub, well put together and you give some great advice. I love the first one. I have never had one and too old now to think about having one but I do like tasteful tattoos there is some wonderful body art.'

Yes, well put together hub, but when you say you're 'too old' now for a tattoo, I guess it could be said that you're never too old: and I think you'd be surprised at those who are getting their first ink after waiting many decades ...

Richard Ricky Hale (author) from West Virginia on October 27, 2011:

F, thanks for the comment and absolutely yes. I plan on posting some of my work when I get a better camera. Hopefully, I can have them on before Christmas, but things have been tight recently. But I will post it soon if you wish to comeback. If you have some yourself, I would love to see it.

f on October 27, 2011:

Some fine artwork. Have you also participated in having ink artwork, thelyricwriter?

Voted up.

Richard Ricky Hale (author) from West Virginia on October 15, 2011:

Sueswan, thank you so much. That is a great proposal right there. Have to give it to him for creativity. I have wanted one, but still have no idea. However, I do like a few above. Hopefully they can give people ideas.

Sueswan on October 15, 2011:

I am not a fan of tatoos myself and have never had the desire to get one.

My brother recently got his first tatoo of a swan. He proposed to his fiancé on the swan ride at Central Island, a theme park in Toronto.

Voted up and interesting.

Richard Ricky Hale (author) from West Virginia on October 12, 2011:

Homesteadbound, all yes, that was a beautiful tattoo. I love all of these designs. Thanks for the comment and your time my dear.

Richard Ricky Hale (author) from West Virginia on October 12, 2011:

Dorsi, thanks for coming by. I appreciate your comment and time. I would like to get a tat, but I wouldn't know what to get. If I would, probably something with my babies. Be good.

Cindy Murdoch from Texas on October 12, 2011:

Some of those tattoos were really amazing. I liked the butterfly that looked like it was raised off the skin because of shadowing beneath it. And the tiger was great too. Very nice!

Dorsi Diaz from The San Francisco Bay Area on October 12, 2011:

Great collection of tats Lyric. I don't have any myself but admire the artwork. My friend that just moved in with me is a tattoo artist so I may end up getting one after all. Nice hub!

Richard Ricky Hale (author) from West Virginia on October 12, 2011:

Thanks Ubanichijioke for checking it out. I thought it would be useful to offer such ideas just in case a mind was not made up. Your time is appreciated.

Alexander Thandi Ubani from Lagos on October 12, 2011:

You just fed my eyes to beautiful, sweet and lovely tattoo pictures. Great idea

Richard Ricky Hale (author) from West Virginia on October 12, 2011:

Plinka, thanks for coming by and you are right. I would have to get one where it could be covered.

plinka from Budapest, Hungary on October 12, 2011:

They are really nice and artistic. I myself don't like tattoos. I mean when you're getting old, they are not so nice any more. It's strange to see old people with tattoos.

Richard Ricky Hale (author) from West Virginia on October 11, 2011:

Thanks Sunshine and Rosemay for your comments my ladies. I appreciate all your time and consideration. See y'all soon.

Rosemary Sadler from Hawkes Bay - NewZealand on October 11, 2011:

Wow a great hub, well put together and you give some great advice. I love the first one. I have never had one and too old now to think about having one but I do like tatseful tattoos there is some wonderful bidy art.

Voted up all the way

Linda Bilyeu from Orlando, FL on October 11, 2011:

Wow that's some serious artwork! I've considered one but will most likely never get a real tat. I do appreciate the art though! Voted up :)

Richard Ricky Hale (author) from West Virginia on October 11, 2011:

That is true Mentalist. It would be hard to just pick one. I would have to be 100% positive about it. Hopefully this gives people ideas.

Richard Ricky Hale (author) from West Virginia on October 11, 2011:

SusixQ, thank you very much for checking them out. I appreciate your vote. I tried to apply a vast variety. I say it would be hard to pick one out. You know, one for the rest of your life.

SusieQ42 on October 11, 2011:

I've never had a tattoo, but I do love the first 2 on this hub. Voted up and interesting.

Mentalist acer from A Voice in your Mind! on October 11, 2011:

I'm Too Conservative To Get A Tattoo,But Find That A Tattoo With A Defined Border Is Appealing And Seems One of The Hardest Things For A tattoo Artist To Achieve...

Richard Ricky Hale (author) from West Virginia on October 11, 2011:

Anjperez, thanks you so much. I wanted to capture the history of the tattoo and extra knowledge so that it would be more then just tattoos. Glad I did. I thank you for your time and comment. Have a great day.

Richard Ricky Hale (author) from West Virginia on October 11, 2011:

010081, thank you so much. I am glad you found it beneficial. Thanks for coming by.

anjperez on October 11, 2011:

i was not even contented. i googled each design just to see how each is different. i thought before it's just tattoo. now, i am like a little girl jumping with delight for something new i learned... thanks thanks!

anjperez on October 11, 2011:

tattoo itself, i am not a fan. but when i read about the categories of tattoo design, my eyes sparkled with delight. i learned something new again. thanks for the info.

Richard Ricky Hale (author) from West Virginia on October 10, 2011:

B Malin, thanks for coming by. Your time is always appreciated friend. Take care.

b. Malin on October 10, 2011:

Wonderful Hub on Tattoos Lyric. I'm too chicken to get one, but done tastefully, and not OVERDONE, I like them. Thanks for Sharing another Interesting Hub.